Box Score NEW YORK -- The Columbia women's soccer team (6-4-1) blanked Penn 2-0 at Rocco B. Commisso Stadium to earn its first Ivy League victory of the 2021 season.  With the win, the Lions move to 1-2 in conference play and 4-2 at home.
 
With the game goalless in the second half, sophomore forward Nata Ramirez charged the Quakers' box, forcing an aggressive tackle from a waiting Quaker defender. As a result, the Lions' leading scorer was awarded a penalty. Ramirez stepped up to take the shot and placed it perfectly in the bottom left corner to put the Lions on the board, 1-0.

Less than 15 minutes later, Columbia put the game away. Ramirez was the catalyst once again, finding the head of high school teammate Sophia Cavaliere off a free kick, who directed the ball off the post and across the goal line before the Quakers could clear it away.

Cavaliere continues to make her mark!#RoarLionRoar pic.twitter.com/RXB4hzV0Ag

— Columbia Women's Soccer (@CULionsWSOC) October 9, 2021

 
"Penn has done a great job all year. We wanted to bring the energy at home with all the work and effort that we needed," said head coach Tracey Bartholomew. "I'm so proud of this team. We haven't given up at all and their fight showed today. We're proud of creating opportunities and finally finishing."
 
The Quakers put the pressure on early, outshooting Columbia eight to five through the first 45 minutes of play, while the Lions held a three to two edge in shots on goal. 
 
Despite both teams' best efforts, the score held steady at the half, 0-0.
 
Up 2-0, the Lions were able secure the win by turning away a series of corner kicks in the 81^stminute. 
 
Cavaliere led the Lions in total shots (4), two of which were on goal. Both Ramirez and Sam Gordon recorded a pair of shots, placing both on goal.
 
Behind four saves from sophomore goalkeeper Paige Nurkin, Columbia became just the second team to shut out Penn this season.
 
Overall, Columbia held a 15-13 edge in shots and a 9-4 shots on goal advantage.
 
The Lions will be back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 12 for a 7:00 P.M. kickoff against Adelphi at Rocco B. Commisso Stadium.
 
For the latest on the Columbia women's soccer program, follow @CULionsWSOC on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaWSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.